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Sydney runner Jeremy Laidler in hot water after claims he deliberately guarded space
UPDATE: THE AFL has set the scene for a major crackdown on runners next season, saying the controversial tactics used by Sydney runner Jeremy Laidler were commonplace.
THE AFL has set the scene for a major crackdown on runners next season, saying the controversial tactics used by Sydney runner Jeremy Laidler were commonplace.
The league is almost certain to introduce tough new rules which only permit runners to take the field immediately after goals are scored next year, in line with this year’s preseason trial. Footy boss Steve Hocking said the league had sought an explanation from Sydney about Laidler’s late-game movements in the club’s thrilling win over North Melbourne on Sunday. REPORT: ALIIR, MAJAK THE HEROES IN ETIHAD THRILLER THE TACKLE: ROBBO’S ROUND 17 LIKES AND DISLIKES As the Herald Sun revealed online on Monday, Laidler camped in the middle part of the ground and instructed Sydney players to slow the game down in the frantic finish. The club could be fined and Laidler suspended for his involvement. But Hocking was adamant that sort of activity was widespread among clubs. “We don’t support it and we have sent a letter through to Sydney, and we will work through that over the coming days,” Hocking said. “But it is probably similar to 17 (other clubs’) runners. “It is unfortunate the focus has been turned on Jeremy, but the reality is that this has been going on for most of the year.” AFL rules require runners to pass on their messages quickly and leave the ground promptly. They are prohibited from coaching or instructing players “in-play”. Geelong coach Chris Scott said Laidler’s activity was a “blatant” attempt to impact the flow of play, while coaching legend Michael Malthouse said “We don’t need that” in AFL. Hocking said the league ‘’had a lot of vision” to support a potential overhaul of runner rules at the end of the season, helping clear more space on the ground for the players. “If people were doing their homework like we are internally, they would be surprised how often that is going on within a game,” he said. “It is not within the spirit of the game and we certainly refer those individuals in those roles to respect the spirit of the game.” Hocking said the Laidler incident should serve as a “friendly reminder” that new provisions were trailed in the JLT Series and could be introduced permanently in 2019. “It’s one of a raft of things we are working through. I don’t think it’s anything new,” he said. “If you go back to the JLT Series we were very clear we were trailing something there. “If people have forgotten, it’s a friendly reminder that that (new restrictions) is on the horizon.” Sydney coach John Longmire said Laidler was mistakenly stuck on the ground after missing an opportunity to come off in the final two minutes of the win. Longmire denied allegations Laidler was attempting to man up, or shadow North Melbourne players to help protect the Swans’ slender lead. “He had a small window with 43 seconds to get off the ground, when the play was between him and the interchange bench, he didn’t take it,” Longmire said. “He missed that opportunity as a lot of people make mistakes or miss opportunities, whether it’s free kicks or decisions missed. ”There was absolutely no indication of him deliberately blocking space, or manning up players, that’s just absolutely incorrect.” Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >
Originally published as Sydney runner Jeremy Laidler in hot water after claims he deliberately guarded space